When James Brindley constructed the first canal in 1763, he could not possibly have imaged the impact the new means of transport would have on the economy.  The roads built by the Romans nearly 1500 years previously had fallen into decay, and in wet weather the tracks were quickly reduced to rutted mud.  To move heavy loads over the hills packhorses were used. 

 Now the interesting fact is that a packhorse can carry about 130 kg.  With a cart a horse can pull two tons, yet pulling a narrowboat a singe horse can move a payload of 30 tons.  This means that one narrowboat was the equivalent of 250 horses. The Bridgewater Canal transported coal from mines in Worsley into Manchester, a relatively short distance of 10 miles.  Yet the impact was huge; the price of coal was halved at a stroke.

 What characterises the life of today’s warehouse manager   There are consistent pressures on the despatch side to deliver more quickly, more accurately, and more frequently.  On the supply side imports are increasing, which leads to the opposite trend for larger quantities and longer lead times.   Stock arrives in containers rather than on pallets, and needs to be palletised before it can be put away.  What may have been considered good service a few years ago is no longer acceptable?